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Occipital Nerve Blocks in Scottsdale

Head and neck pain can make it hard to do everyday tasks, work, or enjoy time with family. If your pain begins at the back of your head or neck and moves up, it could be caused by a nerve. Occipital nerve blocks in Scottsdale may help. Here’s what you should know.

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What Are Occipital Nerve Blocks?

Occipital nerve blocks in Scottsdale are simple shots given at the back of your head, near the occipital nerve, which runs from your spine to your scalp. When this nerve gets irritated, it can cause sharp, throbbing pain.

The injection includes a numbing medicine for quick relief and sometimes a steroid to help reduce the pain over time. These nerve blocks are used by pain centers to find the cause of the pain and provide relief.

What Are Occipital Nerve Blocks in Scottsdale Used For?

Occipital nerve blocks help treat:

  • Occipital neuralgia
  • Chronic migraines
  • Cluster headaches
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • Postdural puncture headaches
  • Whiplash neck pain
  • Cervical facet joint pain

Am I a Good Candidate for Occipital Nerve Blocks?

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You experience pain at the back of your head.
  • You suffer from frequent migraines or intense headaches.
  • Other treatments haven’t worked.
  • You want a non-surgical solution.
  • Your doctor believes the occipital nerve could be the cause.

How Occipital Nerve Blocks Work

During the procedure, you’ll either sit or lie down. The doctor will clean the skin on the back of your head and locate the right spot. They’ll give you a quick injection that might feel like a slight pinch. The medicine targets the nerve to block pain signals. 

The numbing medicine works right away, and the steroid may take a few days to kick in but can last much longer. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Afterward, you’ll rest briefly before heading home.

Benefits of Occipital Nerve Blocks

  • Helps pinpoint the source of your pain
  • Provides fast pain relief
  • No surgery required
  • You can return home the same day
  • May lead to other effective treatments like radiofrequency ablation

Expert Occipital Nerve Blocks in Scottsdale

We understand how difficult it is to deal with head pain. Our pain specialists in Scottsdale can help you feel better with occipital nerve blocks. We’ll find the cause of your pain, treat it, and guide you through each step. If you’re ready for relief, we’re here to help.

Book your pain management session today and learn how occipital nerve blocks can help you recover.

FAQs

The cost can vary, so it’s best to check with the clinic directly.

A pain management specialist or a neurologist typically performs the procedure.

The pain is minimal, usually just a small pinch from the injection.

A trained doctor or nurse practitioner can perform the procedure.

Common steroids include lidocaine or a combination with a corticosteroid like dexamethasone.

Symptoms include sharp, throbbing pain at the back of the head, neck, or behind the eyes.

To reduce pain and inflammation caused by occipital neuralgia or other related headaches.

Pain relief can last from a few days to several weeks.

A small injection is given at the back of the head near the occipital nerve to block pain.

Dr. James KellerShabrokh

Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.